Ernie G. Zahirniak, Jr.

Ernest G. "Ernie" Zahirniak Jr., age 56, of West, passed away late Wednesday night, January 15, 2014 at St. Catherine Center in Waco. Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Cemetery in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel. Ernie was born March 14, 1957 in Waco, the son of Ernest G. "Shorty" and Mona (Gerik) Zahirniak. He attended St. Mary's School and was a 1975 graduate of West High School. He also attended the University of Maryland and received an associate degree in computer science from T.S.T.C. He served his country with the United States Air Force for 12 years. Ernie was a computer tech for Acer Computers in Temple and he worked for the Methodist Home in Waco and Gerik's Exxon in West. Ernie was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of the S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #54 and K.J.T. Society #31. He enjoyed Bar-B-Queing, watching the Dallas Cowboys, working crossword puzzles, and riding in the country. He is preceded in death by his father and a brother, Patrick Zahirniak. Survivors include his mother, Mona Zahirniak of West; loving companion, Rita Munoz and her children and grandchildren; two daughters, Nicole Zahirniak of Baltimore, MD and Valerie Hantke of Annapolis, MD; a brother, James "Buck" Zahirniak; five sisters, Shirley Vrba, Paula "P.K." Scott and husband Don, Darlene Beshear, Laurie Boyett and husband Jimmy, and Jackie Sinkule and husband Mark; a sister-in-law, Melissa Zahirniak; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Volunteer Ambulance Association or St. Mary's School Endowment Fund.